Kuffour to consider his future with Stars

Samuel Osei Kuffour, the expelled deputy Skipper of the senior National team, Black Stars arrived back home from CAN 2002 in Mali on Tuesday and declared that he would consider his future with the Stars after being humiliated by the team's authorities.

Kuffour, who plays for German giants, Bayern Munich, told reporters at the Kotoka International Airport that the charge of indiscipline levelled against him was untrue. Kuffour was expelled on Monday from the team by head coach Fred Osam-Duodu for various acts of indiscipline.

Narrating his side of the story, Kuffour said he went out to phone his wife, to inquire about the health of his baby. On his return his colleagues told him that the coach wanted to see him.

"It was during the discussion with the coach that he told me I should leave the camp and return home." He denied all allegations against him and said whatever he complained of was with the consent of the entire team and that he was surprised he was singled out.

Kuffour said most of the players complained of the poor accommodation, food and beds without pillows adding that he wondered why he was made a scapegoat. "We even have to walk 600 metres to the training ground. On apparel, I was surprised why Adidas, the kits sponsor of the team, should leave out the logo of the team from the jersey."

He was, however, hopeful of the chances of the Stars in their next match against South Africa saying that his departure should not affect the team negatively. "I hope that my fans will not be disappointed in me even though they would have wished to see me in action for the team".

Meanwhile, Ghanaian Soccer fans seem divided over the sacking of stalwart defender from the senior national team. Some soccer fans are of the view that the writing was on the wall right from the announcement of the squad to represent the country, in which most of his compatriots were left out, that Kuffour was not conditioned for the tournament. He had earlier downplayed the team's ability to perform creditably.

A number of football fans are also of the view that Kuffour was being made the scapegoat for the inadequacies of the team already known to the officials of which he justifiably complained about. The GFA, according to the fans, were only passing the buck.